Kentucky’s slow start against Gonzaga doomed the Wildcats as the Zags cruised to an 88-72 win in the first game of this six-game series played in Spokane, Wash., on Sunday night.
The loss dropped the Wildcats to 3-2 overall, with both defeats coming to conference powers.
Kentucky cut a 16-point halftime deficit down to four midways through the second half, but Gonzaga pulled away.
Oscar Tshiebwe led four UK players in double-figure scoring with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
Jacob Toppin followed with 16 while Cason Wallace net 14. Antonio Reeves chipped in 10.
Kentucky will host North Florida at Rupp arena on Wednesday. Tipoff is 4 pm.
At Spokane, Wash.
SCORE BY HALVES:
UK (3-2)….25 47 – 72
GZ (3-1)…..41 47 – 88
Scoring:
Kentucky (72) – Jacob Toppin 7 2-4 16; Oscar Tshiebwe 7 6-6 20; CJ Fredrick 0(1) 0-0 3; Sahvir Wheeler 1(1) 2-3 7; Cason Wallace 3(2) 2-2 14; Lance Ware 1 0-0 2; and Antonio Reeves 2(2) 0-1 10. Totals: 21(6) 12-16 72.
Gonzaga (88) – Drew Timme 9 4-6 22; Anton Watson 5 0-0 10; Julian Strawther 2(3) 7-7 20; Nolan Hickman 1 2-2 4; Rasir Bolton 4(4) 4-4 24; Malachi Smith 1 0-0 2; Hunter Sallis 2 0-0 4; and Ben Gregg 0 2-2 2. Totals: 24(7) 19-21 88.
Next up: Kentucky (3-2) vs. North Florida (1-2), 4 pm, Nov. 23.